Nutritional evaluation of differently processed plant protein sources on the performance of broiler chickens

An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to assess four differently protein sources on performance of broiler chickens. Two hundred and fifty (250) day old unsex Anak 2000 broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four differently processed plant protein sources i.e. cooked soybean, salt treated African locust bean and sprouted Bambara nut with groundnut cake (GNC) based diet as control, the treatments were replicated five times (12 birds per replicate) in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD). Results showed that daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were affected by different protein sources (p<0.05) at starter, finisher and overall phase. The carcass characteristics showed that live weight (1988-2160 g), slaughter weight (1610-1965 g) and plucked weight (1600-1814 g) were affected by different protein sources(p<0.05). The dressing percentage (83.31-86.25%) are not affected by different protein sources (p>0.05). The abdominal fat (0.61-0.64%), gizzard (1.61-1.77%), small intestine (40.80-43.20 cm) and large intestine (141.80-201.60 cm) were affected by the different protein sources (p<0.05). All the prime cuts were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the dietary protein sources. Total feed cost is highest in soya-bean based diet (N 379.30). The highest body weight (4.53 kg) is in soya bean-based diet. The feed cost per kg gain is highest in GNC based diet (N 158.34) and lowest in soya bean based diet (N 126.43). All the protein sources enhanced the growth performance of broiler chickens; however, soybean was more effective in enhancing the performance of broiler chickens.

Blood metabolites and fecal starch as indicators of feed efficiency of beef cattle in the feedlot

ABSTRACT The use of blood metabolites (BM), fecal starch (FS), and apparent digestion of starch, (ATTSD) as indicators of feed efficiency (FE) in beef cattle in the feedlot was studied. Fourteen bulls were used, originating in an industrial cross, without a defined racial group, with mean body weight of 284.86kg, individually fed, being evaluated in a 42-day confinement system. After the evaluation, the animals were divided into two groups according to the individual FE: high feed efficiency (HE) and low feed efficiency (LE). There was a difference between the groups in the variables FE, feed conversion (FC), final weight (FW), and daily weight gain (DWG). The FE had a positive correlation with DWG, FC, and FW. There was no difference between the groups for the variables BM, FS, and ATTSD, nor was there any correlation between these variables and FE. Considering the feed cost, the HE animals proved more profitable. BM, FS, and ATTSD did not statistically show potential to be used as indicators of FE, despite the evidence of numerical differences of these variables between the different groups, tendency of correlations with FE, and discriminating function with potential assertiveness.

Value chain and competitiveness of OCOP standardized clown knife fish products in Hau Giang province

The study was conducted to analyze the competitiveness of OCOP standardized clown knife fish products in Hau Giang province. The data were collected from 73 observations involved in the clown knife fish value chain. The research results show that most farmers culture knife fish intensively and the feed cost shares the highest proportion of the total production cost. Processed products from knife fish are mainly boneless fish and fish balls. The OCOP knife fish value chain operated through four main distribution channels and included actors: fish farmers, traders, processors, and retailers. The farmers normally sell fresh knife fish to middleman, accounting for 80.15%. The processing factories create and share the highest proportion of added value. The distribution channel that farmers are linked directly with processors create higher added value than others. The study also analyzed the Porter’s five forces of the knife industry. The study found that there are many potential risks in the farming process, high competitive pressures from substitute products, and limited negotiation ability of both farmers and processors.

Factors impacting the financial efficiency of pig farming models in Can Tho City

The study’s objective is to evaluate the financial efficiency and determine the factors affecting pig farming models’ financial efficiency in Can Tho City. The study collected data from 118 households raising pigs for meat. The methods used in the study include financial ratios analysis and multivariable linear regression. The research results show that models of raising pigs for meat have high financial efficiency. The financial performance of the models is positively correlated with the educational level of the farmer and the participation in technical training programs. In contrast, financial efficiency is negatively correlated with seed cost, feed cost, farm drug cost, and total risk.

Study on probiotic as antibiotic replacement to improve egg production in commercial duck farms

A research has been conducted to study the potency of probiotics as antibiotic replacements in terms of egg production and income over feed cost at commercial duck farms. The treatments were control, probiotic administration (P1=5 and P2=7 ml/kg feed), and antibiotic administration (A1=0.5 and A2=1 dose). Thus, there were 5 treatment units which were replicated 4 times. Each unit had 30 laying ducks, so in total there were 600 local laying ducks. Parameters observed were egg production as Hen Day Production and egg mass. Hen Day Production was measured by calculating the number of eggs, divided by the number of female ducks in percentage. Egg mass was calculated by the number of eggs multiplied by the weight of the eggs, divided by the number of ducks. The results showed that egg production in control, P1, P2, A1 and A2 was 50.95%, 62.90%, 60.85%, 56.75% and 65.40% respectively. For egg mass, the data were 36.07+3.25; 44.58+3.63; 42.64+4.31; 41.44+3.76; and 45.27+4.57 respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that, for both parameters, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) between control and treatments but not a significant difference among treatment groups. It seemed that probiotics and antibiotics had similar effects on Hen Day Production and egg mass. It can be concluded that probiotics could replace antibiotic administration for laying ducks in terms of egg production.

Economic Analysis of Kamrupa Compared to Local Chicken Production in Assam under Backyard System of Rearing

Aims: The programme was undertaken to study the economic analysis of Kamrupa and local chicken in Dhemaji district of Assam under backyard system of rearing. Study Design: The data on various expenses and returns thus collected were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis as per the methods described by [1]. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Sissiborgaon, Dhemaji and Jonai development blocks of Dhemaji district during the period January, 2018 to July, 2019 by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhemaji. Methodology: For the purpose thirty numbers of farmwomen from three different development blocks, thus a total of ninety numbers of farmwomen, of Dhemaji district were selected on the basis of their early experience in keeping local poultry along with Kamrupa chicken at backyard system. Items of cost included fixed cost e.g. land and building, equipments and variable costs e.g. cost of day-old chick, cost of feed, vaccine, medicine, labour, depreciation in poultry shed and miscellaneous cost. Return items included eggs, cocks and spent hens. Results: The cost of labour accounted for 72.44 percent of the total cost of production of Kamrupa chicken followed by feed cost (9.79%), chick cost (7.21%) and depreciation of poultry house (6.44%) up to 18 months of age. The total cost of production up to 72 weeks of age was found to be higher in Kamrupa (Rs. 3,882.48) than its local counterpart (Rs. 3,512.48). The maximum amount of income was contributed by selling of eggs (46.60%) followed by sale of cocks (26.76%) and sale of spent hens (26.64) in case of local chicken. The benefit-cost (B:C) ratio in Kamrupa and local chicken were recorded as 2.64 and 2.14, respectively, in the present study. Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that the small scale Kamrupa rearing is a profitable venture for farmwomen in the state of Assam.

Frame Score, Grazing and Delayed Feedlot Entry Effect on Performance and Economics of Beef Steers from Small- and Large-Framed Cows in an Integrated Crop-Livestock System

When selling small-framed steers at weaning, profitability is diminished. The hypothesis is that by using a vertically integrated business model that includes retained ownership, extended grazing, abbreviated feedlot finishing, and selling at slaughter, profitability would increase. Crossbred yearling steers (n = 288) from small size Aberdeen Angus (Lowline) × Red Angus × Angus × Angus cows and moderate to large size Red Angus × Angus × Simmental × Gelbvieh cows calved May−June were randomly assigned (complete randomized design), in a 3 y study, to feedlot control (FLT) and extended grazing (GRZ) frame score treatment groups. Mean frame score for FLT were small frame (SF) 3.82 and large frame (LF) 5.63, and for GRZ, SF: 3.77 and LF: 5.53. Least-square means were utilized to identify levels of effects and to control family-wise error adjusted with Tukey test. The FLT control steers were housed in the feedlot and fed growing diets and subsequently high energy corn-based diets for 218 days. The GRZ steers grazed a sequence of forages (native range, field pea-barley mix, and unharvested corn) for 212 days and then were transferred to the feedlot and fed high energy corn-based finishing diets for 82 days. The SF GRZ steers grew more slowly grazing native range and annual forages compared to GRZ LF steers, but SF steer grazing cost per kg of gain was reduced 7.80%. Grazing steers did not grow to their full genetic potential. Slower growth during grazing allowed LF and SF steers to grow structurally before feedlot entry creating a compensatory feedlot finishing growth response. Overall, grazing steer performance exceeded steer performance of the FLT control treatment and LF grazing steers had the highest rate of gain, and lowest feed cost per kg of gain. The GRZ steer feedlot days on feed were reduced 136 days and total feed intake was reduced resulting in LF and SF grazing steer feed cost reductions of 175.9 and 165.3%, respectively. Extended grazing also resulted in LF and SF grazing steer hot carcass weights to be greater than control LF and SF steers and SF grazing steers had greater dressing percent, and marbling score. Carcass quality grade, meat tenderness, and cooking losses were similar. System net returns were highest for LF (USD 911.58), and SF (USD 866.61) grazing steers. Managerial modification combining retained ownership, extended grazing, and delayed feedlot entry increased profitability and eliminated market bias.

Performance and economic analysis of growing pigs fed diets supplemented with different multi-enzymes complexes

Consumption of high-fibre diet with non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) has the potential to adversely affect energy and nutrient utilization with consequent reduction in pig performance. This study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of three different enzymes cocktail on growth performance of growing pigs fed high-fibre diets.The basal diet served as control (T1). Treatment 2 (T2) contained 0.3 g/kg diet of A (Xylanase, Cellulase, Protease, Alpha-amylase, Beta-glucanase, Phytase and Pectinase), treatment 3 (T3) contained 0.5 g/kg diet of B (Carbohydrases, Beta-glucanase, Pectinase, Protease) while treatment 4 (T4) contained 0.25 g/kg diet of C (Xylanase, Phytase, Alpha – amylase, Protease, Bacillolysin).Sixty grower pigs of an average initial weight of 26.06 ±0.78 kg were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (T) in a completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment and five animals in each replicate. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Feed intake and weight gain of the pigs were monitored weekly. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the General Linear Model procedures of SAS (2002).There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the performance indices of the pigs though those fedenzyme cocktails had improved daily weight. Lowest feed cost per kg weight gain (? 345.38/kg) was observed in pigs fed diet supplemented with enzyme cocktail at 0.25g/kg. It was concluded that cocktail of enzymes improved daily weight gain of growing pigs fed diets containing non-starch polysaccharides. Also, enzymes cocktail (0.25g/kg) reduced feed cost per kilogram weight gain of the pigs. La consommation d'aliments riches en fibres avec des polysaccharides non amylacés (NSP) a le potentiel d'affecter négativement l'utilisation de l'énergie et des nutriments avec une réduction conséquente des performances des porcs. Cette étude a été réalisée pour étudier l'efficacité de trois cocktails d'enzymes différents sur les performances de croissance de porcs en croissance nourris avec des régimes riches en fibres. Le régime de base a servi de contrôle (T1). Le traitement 2 (T2) contenait 0,3 g/kg de régime A (Xylanase, Cellulase, Protéase, Alpha-amylase, Bêta-glucanase, Phytase et Pectinase), le traitement 3 (T3) contenait 0,5 g/kg de régime B (Carbohydrases, Bêta -glucanase, Pectinase, Protease) tandis que le traitement 4 (T4) contenait 0,25 g/kg de ration de C (Xylanase, Phytase, Alpha amylase, Protease, Bacillolysin). assignés à quatre traitements diététiques (T) dans une conception complètement randomisée avec trois répétitions par traitement et cinq animaux dans chaque répétition. La nourriture et l'eau étaient fournies ad libitum. La prise alimentaire et le gain de poids des porcs ont été surveillés chaque semaine. Les données ont été soumises à une analyse de variance (ANOVA) à l'aide des procédures du modèle linéaire général de SAS (2002). Il n'y avait pas de différences significatives (P> 0,05) dans les indices de performance des porcs bien que ceux nourris avec des cocktails enzymatiques aient amélioré leur poids quotidien. Le coût alimentaire le plus bas par kg de gain de poids (? 345,38/kg) a été observé chez les porcs nourris avec un régime supplémenté avec un cocktail d'enzymes à 0,25 g/kg. Il a été conclu que le cocktail d'enzymes améliorait le gain de poids quotidien des porcs en croissance nourris avec des régimes contenant des polysaccharides non amylacés. De plus, le cocktail d'enzymes (0,25 g/kg) a réduit le coût des aliments par kilogramme de gain de poids des porcs.

Performance, nutrients digestibility and economics of production of finisher broiler fed diets containing Euphorbia heterophylla leaf meal

The high cost of feed has become a great challenge in poultry production. Good quality and cheap feed is therefore crucial for optimal growth performance of poultry chickens. In this study the effect of Euphorbia heterophylla Leaf Meal (EHLM) on the performance, carcass characteristics, nutrients digestibility and economics were evaluated. Broiler chicks numbering one hundred and eighty (180) of Ross 308 strain were fed for 4 weeks. The birds were randomly allotted to six experimental diets with three replications of 10 birds each. The diets were formulated with the inclusion of EHLMat 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% levels, for T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 which replaces soyabean meal respectively and data collected were subjected to analysis of variance in a completely randomized design. Results obtained indicated that the experimental diets significantly (P<0.05) affected the average feed intake and average daily protein intake, while the average daily weight gain, average feed conversion ratio, average daily protein efficiency ratio and average final live weight were not affected (P>0.05); mortality was not affected (P>0.05) by the diet. Carcass parameters, carcass cut and internal organs such as fasted liveweight, plucked weight, dressed weight, breast weight, thigh, drum stick, neck, shank and wings, heart, empty gizzard, lungs, spleen, pancreas, small intestine and esophagus weights showed no significant (P>0.05) difference while back, head, liver, proventriculus, kidney, abdominal fat, large intestine and caeca weight were significantly (P<0.05) different. The GIT length was affected (P<0.05) by the diet except the caeca length. The nutrient digestibility of CP and NFE did not showed significant (P>0.05) effect, but CF, EE and Ash were affected (P<0.05) by the dietary treatments. The nutrient digestibility of 5%, 10%, 15% and 25% were higher than the control diet(0%) for the five nutrients evaluated. The economics of production showed that feed cost (N/kg weight gain), total income (birds sold) and total profit (net gain) were not significantly (P>0.05) different while the feed cost (N/chicken), cost saving due to EHLM inclusion, total cost of production (N/chicken) and feed cost as percentage of total cost were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the test diets. The result showed that birds fed diet containing 15% have better economic advantage for optimum benefit. Therefore 15% EHLM replacement of soya bean is recommended for adoption for optimum growth performance, carcass yield, nutrient digestibility and economics of production in finisher broiler chicken. Le coût élevé des aliments pour animaux est devenu un grand défi dans la production avicole.Une alimentation de bonne qualité et bon marché est donc cruciale pour des performances de croissance optimales des poulets de volaille. Dans cette étude, l'effet de la farine de feuilles d'Euphorbia heterophylla (EHLM) sur la performance, les caractéristiques de la carcasse, la digestibilité des nutriments et l'économie ont été évalués. Des poussins de chair au nombre de cent quatre-vingts (180) de souche Ross 308 ont été nourris pendant 4 semaines. Les oiseaux ont été répartis au hasard dans six régimes expérimentaux avec trois répétitions de 10 oiseaux chacune. Les régimes ont été formulés avec l'inclusion d'EHLM à 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 et 25%, pour T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 et T6 qui remplace respectivement le tourteau de soja et les données collectées ont été soumises à une analyse de variance. dans une conception complètement aléatoire. Les résultats obtenus ont indiqué que les régimes expérimentaux affectaient significativement (P<0,05) la consommation alimentaire moyenne et la consommation quotidienne moyenne de protéines, tandis que le gain de poids quotidien moyen, le rapport de conversion alimentaire moyen, le rapport d'efficacité protéique moye quotidien et le poids vif final moyen n'étaient pas affectés ( P>0,05) ; la mortalité n'a pas été affectée (P>0,05) par le régime alimentaire. Les paramètres de la carcasse, la coupe de la carcasse et les organes internes tels que le poids vif à jeun, le poids plumé, le poids paré, le poids de la poitrine, le poids de la cuisse, de la baguette, du cou, du jarret et des ailes, le poids du cœur, du gésier vide, des poumons, de la rate, du pancréas, de l'intestin grêle et de l'œsophage ont été montrés aucune différence significative (P> 0,05) alors que le poids du dos, de la tête, du foie, du proventricule, des reins, de la graisse abdominale, du gros intestin et des caeca étaient significativement différents (P< 0,05). La longueur GIT a été affectée (P < 0,05) par le régime, à l'exception de la longueur des caeca. La digestibilité des nutriments du CP et du NFE n'a pas montré d'effet significatif (P>0,05), mais CF, EE et Ash ont été affectés (P<0,05) par les traitements diététiques. La digestibilité des nutriments de 5 %, 10 %, 15 % et 25 % était supérieure à celle du régime témoin (0 %) pour les cinq nutriments évalués. L'économie de la production a montré que le coût de l'alimentation (N/kg de gain de poids), le revenu total (oiseaux vendus) et le bénéfice total (gain net) n'étaient pas significativement différents (P>0,05) alors que le coût de l'alimentation (N/poulet), la réduction des coûts en raison de l'inclusion de l'EHLM, le coût total de production (N/poulet) et le coût des aliments en pourcentage du coût total ont été significativement (P<0,05) affectés par les régimes d'essai. Le résultat a montré que les oiseaux nourris avec un régime contenant 15 % ont un meilleur avantage économique pour un bénéfice optimal. Par conséquent, il est recommandé d'adopter un remplacement EHLM de 15 % du soja pour des performances de croissance optimales, un rendement en carcasse, une digestibilité des éléments nutritifs et des économies de production dans le poulet de chair de finition.

Quail husbandry and welfare systems at Songhai-Delta farm: Profitability of enterprise

Quails are small sized pheasants having a long history of domestication and utilization. The management and welfare systems of Quail production at Songhai Delta farm were surveyed and reviewed. The young quails were sexed by the feather and vent methods when at 6 weeks old and they begin to lay eggs at about that age. Fertile eggs are managed in hatchery until chicks are hatched. Other set of eggs laid are also collected and sold in the farm shop. The quails were fed three types of ration - starter mash at 1-4 weeks of age, grower mash 4-6 weeks and layer mash as from 6 weeks of age. Quails are susceptible to some common poultry diseases; but good management and welfare practices ensure safety and healthy birds. A ratio of 1male to 3 females is the stocking rate in breeder cages in the farm, to obtain fertile eggs. High feed cost and poor market for farm products were the most significant problems of the enterprise. The cost and return estimate for quail bird production indicate that quail venture is highly profitable. The bird has early sexual maturity resulting in a short generation intervals and high rate of lay. Thus, raising quail offers many advantages when compared to producing other domestic or food animals. Quail venture is excellent and recommended for beginners in poultry business, because the birds begin to lay eggs at young age of about 6weeks; and can be slaughtered for food at 5weeks of age. Many developing countries presently faced with problem of inadequate supply of animal protein should find quail production a viable industry. The study recommends a step up of extension services to enlighten farmers and the populace on the importance of quail meat and eggs and the profitability of quail farming. Les cailles sont de petite taille ayant une longue histoire de domestication et d'utilisation. Les systèmes de gestion et de bien-être de la production de cailles à la ferme du delta de Songhai ont été considéré et examinés. Les jeunes cailles sont sexées par les méthodes de 'feather and vent' lorsqu'elles ont 6 semaines et qu'elles commencent à pondre des œufs vers cet âge. Les œufs fertiles sont gérés dans l'écloserie jusqu'à ce que les poussins soient éclos. D'autres œufs pondus sont également recueillis et vendus dans la boutique de la ferme. Les cailles ont été nourries de trois types de ration - purée de démarrage à l'âge de 1-4 semaines, purée de grower 4-6 semaines et purée de couche à partir de 6 semaines d'âge. Les cailles sont sensibles à certaines maladies courantes de la volaille ; mais de bonnes pratiques de gestion et de bien-être assurent la sécurité et la santé des oiseaux. Un rapport de 1male à 3 femelles est le taux de stockage dans les cages d'élevage dans la ferme, pour obtenir des oeufs fertiles. Le coût élevé des aliments pour animaux et le mauvais marché des produits agricoles ont étéles problèmes les plus importants de l'entreprise. L'estimation du coût et du rendement de la production d'oiseaux caille indique que l'entreprise de cailles est très rentable. L'oiseau a une maturité sexuelle précoce résultant en un intervalle de génération court et un taux élevé de produire des oeufs. Ainsi, l'élevage de cailles offre de nombreux avantages par rapport à la production d'autres animaux domestiques ou alimentaires. L'entreprise de caille est excellente et recommandée pour les débutants dans le secteur de la volaille, parce que les oiseaux commencent à pondre des œufs à un jeune âge d'environ 6 semaines ; et peut être abattu pour la nourriture à l'âge de 5 semaines. De nombreux pays en voie du développement confrontés à un problème d'approvisionnement insuffisant en protéines animales devraient trouver la production de cailles une industrie viable. L'étude recommande une augmentation des services d'extension pour éclairer les agriculteurs et la population sur l'importance de la viande et des œufs de caille et la rentabilité de l'élevage de cailles.